Quality, fiscal prudence needed in schools

Saturday

Mar 30, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Editor, the Record:

Editor, the Record:

When it comes to our school system, it appears that collectively we have been lulled into a state of mind that only presents false choices — either quality education or fiscal responsibility. Why can't we have quality education and fiscal responsibility?

In order for Stroud Township to compete and thrive, it is critical that we preserve both education and fiscal solvency. We can't afford to build one at the expense of the other.

Families are moving, jobs are going unfilled and are leaving the area. We need to stimulate economic growth by making the Poconos the area of choice for families and businesses. How do we do this? Quality neighborhoods, reasonable taxes, high-performance schools and a skilled workforce.

If community leaders come together, we have an opportunity to retool our educational system so that we produce top-notch graduates and support regional economic growth.

Let's think outside of the "box." We need to start at the beginning by establishing strong foundations when children enter school. They must "learn to read" so that they can "read to learn." By maximizing external funding and eliminating waste that does not hurt core services, we can sustain curricula and extra-curricula activities and pass savings on to taxpayers.

For example, there currently is a national grant available to enhance physical education, which could bring approximately $750,000 into the area. There also have been missed opportunities, including the Race to the Top grant which would have provided more than $1 million to improve academic achievement at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Without additional costs to schools, we also should create pathways from high school to local growth industries (eg. health care, hospitality, technology) that develop a "homegrown," specialized and skilled workforce for businesses, fill local jobs and retain earnings and spending.